Sheffield Supertram bailout agreed

Dan Jarvis, Sheffield City Region mayor, has secured a package of support from the government which will ensure that the light rail system can continue to run.

Mr Jarvis has been pressing government ministers since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure tram and light rail have the support they need to continue running.

The government announcement did not include a financial figure.

It comes after bus services received a financial package to offset massive reductions in passenger numbers.

A £167 million fund was recently announced to ensure bus companies can cover their costs on essential services so that key workers can still get to work.

Mr Jarvis has already introduced an extension for concessionary payments.

It is understood the mayor was the first to raise the issue with other metro mayors and called for ‘collective action’ to ensure that other city region’s systems were supported, following a significant fall in passenger numbers during the pandemic.

Mr Jarvis said: “I’ve been working around the clock to ensure that South Yorkshire has the resources it needs to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Earlier this month, I took action and extended concessionary payments and agreed a substantial package of support for bus operators.

“This meant that essential services could continue running for key workers, but also provided certainty to our transport system so normal services can resume when travel restrictions are lifted.

“However, there remained a gap in support for Supertram and I have been in close contact with government Ministers to address this.

“I am pleased that they have listened and have acted. The funding will be welcome news for passengers.

“Securing this funding for Supertram will help ease the financial strain during the crisis, allow essential journeys to continue and keep NHS staff and key workers moving during this critical time, particularly to Sheffield’s hospitals.”